Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device is capable of improving image quality including: a first and second substrate; a first and second color layer adjacent to each other between the first and second substrate, and arranged along a first direction; a third color layer including a first divided color layer adjacent to the first color layer in a second direction and a second divided color layer adjacent to the first divided color layer the first direction and adjacent to the second color layer in the second direction; a light blocking layer including a light blocking portion between the first and second color layer and a light blocking portion between the first and second divided color layer. The first, second and third color layer emit lights of different colors and at least two of them have different sizes. A width of the first and second light blocking portion is substantially equal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2016-0164531, filed on Dec. 5, 2016, in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office (KIPO), the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to a display device,and more particularly, to a display device capable of improving imagequality.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Liquid crystal display (“LCD”) devices are one of most widely used typesof flat panel display (“FPD”) devices. An LCD device includes twosubstrates including electrodes formed thereon and a liquid crystallayer interposed therebetween.

Upon applying voltage to the two electrodes, liquid crystal molecules ofthe liquid crystal layer are rearranged such that an amount oftransmitted light is controlled in the LCD device.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forenhancement of understanding of the background of the inventive concept,and, accordingly, it may contain information that does not form theprior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinaryskill in the art.

SUMMARY

Aspects of embodiments of the present inventive concept are directed toa display device capable of improving image quality.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a display device includes: a firstsubstrate and a second substrate spaced apart from each other; a firstcolor layer and a second color layer adjacent to each other between thefirst substrate and the second substrate, the first color layer and thesecond color layer arranged along a direction parallel to a firstdirection; a third color layer including a first divided color layeradjacent to the first color layer in a direction parallel to a seconddirection crossing the first direction and a second divided color layeradjacent to the first divided color layer in a direction parallel to thefirst direction and adjacent to the second color layer in a directionparallel to the second direction; and a light blocking layer including afirst light blocking portion between the first color layer and thesecond color layer and a second light blocking portion between the firstdivided color layer and the second divided color layer. The first colorlayer, the second color layer and the third color layer are configuredto emit lights of different colors, respectively. At least two of thefirst color layer, the second color layer and the third color layer havedifferent sizes. A width of the first light blocking portion in adirection parallel to the first direction is substantially equal to awidth of the second light blocking portion in a direction parallel tothe first direction.

The first color layer, the second color layer and the third color layermay be included in one unit pixel.

Each of the first substrate and the second substrate may have a curvedsurface curved along a direction parallel to the first direction.

The display device may further include a fourth color layer adjacent tothe second color layer in a direction parallel to the first direction,the fourth color layer configured to emit a light having a colorsubstantially the same as a color of a light configured to be emitted bythe second color layer; and a fifth color layer adjacent to the fourthcolor layer in a direction parallel to the second direction and adjacentto the third color layer in a direction parallel to the first direction,the fifth color layer configured to emit a light having a colorsubstantially the same as a color of a light configured to be emitted bythe third color layer.

The first color layer, the second color layer and the third color layermay be included in a first unit pixel, and the fourth color layer andthe fifth color layer may be included in a second unit pixel.

The first unit pixel and the second unit pixel may have a symmetricshape with respect to an imaginary line parallel to the seconddirection.

A distance between the second color layer and the fourth color layer maybe less than a distance between the first color layer and the secondcolor layer.

The light blocking layer may be absent between the second color layerand the fourth color layer.

The fifth color layer may include a first divided color layer and asecond divided color layer adjacent to each other in a directionparallel to the first direction, the first divided color layer of thefifth color layer may be adjacent to the second divided color layer ofthe third color layer in a direction parallel to the first direction,and a distance between the second divided color layer of the third colorlayer and the first divided color layer of the fifth color layer may beless than a distance between the first divided color layer of the thirdcolor layer and the second divided color layer of the third color layer.

The light blocking layer may be absent between the second divided colorlayer of the third color layer and the first divided color layer of thefifth color layer.

The display device may further include: a first pixel electrode locatedon the first substrate corresponding to the first color layer; a secondpixel electrode located on the first substrate corresponding to thesecond color layer; and a third pixel electrode including a firstdivided pixel electrode located corresponding to the first divided colorlayer and a second divided pixel electrode located corresponding to thesecond divided color layer.

At least two of the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrodeand the third pixel electrode may have different sizes.

The display device may further include: a first switching elementconnected to the first pixel electrode; a second switching elementconnected to the second pixel electrode; and a third switching elementconnected to the first divided pixel electrode and the second dividedpixel electrode.

The display device may further include: a first data line connected tothe first switching element; a second data line connected to the secondswitching element; a third data line connected to the third switchingelement; and a gate line connected to the first switching element, thesecond switching element and the third switching element and crossingthe first data line, the second data line and the third data line.

At least a portion of the first data line, at least a portion of thesecond data line and at least a portion of the third data line may belocated between the first color layer and the second color layer.

At least a portion of the first data line, at least a portion of thesecond data line and at least a portion of the third data line may belocated between the first divided color layer and the second dividedcolor layer.

At least a portion of the gate line may be located between the firstcolor layer and the first divided color layer.

At least a portion of the gate line may be located between the secondcolor layer and the second divided color layer.

The first color layer may be located at a first quadrant of quadrantswhich are defined by the gate line and one of the first data line, thesecond data line and the third data line, the second color layer may belocated at a second quadrant of the quadrants, the first divided colorlayer may be located at a third quadrant of the quadrants, and thesecond divided color layer may be located at a fourth quadrant of thequadrants.

At least one of the first color layer, the second color layer, the firstdivided color layer and the second divided color layer may include acolor conversion layer between the first substrate and the secondsubstrate.

At least one of the first color layer, the second color layer, the firstdivided color layer and the second divided color layer may furtherinclude a color filter layer between the color conversion layer and thesecond substrate.

The display device may further include a polarization layer between thefirst substrate and the second substrate to overlap the first colorlayer, the second color layer, the third color layer and the lightblocking layer.

Facing edge portions of the first color layer and the second color layermay overlap opposite edge portions of the first light blocking portion,and facing edge portions of the first divided color layer and the seconddivided color layer may overlap opposite edge portions of the secondlight blocking portion.

The first light blocking portion and the second light blocking portionmay be unitary.

The first light blocking portion and the second light blocking portionwhich are unitary may have a straight line shape.

The display device may further include a backlight unit facing thesecond substrate with the first substrate interposed between thebacklight unit and the second substrate.

The backlight unit may provide a white light or a blue light.

The display device may further include a polarization plate between thebacklight unit and the first substrate.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a display device includes: a firstsubstrate and a second substrate spaced apart from each other; a gateline on the first substrate; a first data line, a second data line and athird data line crossing the gate line; a first switching elementconnected to the gate line and the first data line; a second switchingelement connected to the gate line and the second data line; a thirdswitching element connected to the gate line and the third data line; afirst pixel electrode connected to the first switching element; a secondpixel electrode connected to the second switching element and locatedadjacent to the first pixel electrode in a direction parallel to a firstdirection; and a third pixel electrode connected to the third switchingelement. The third pixel electrode may include: a first divided pixelelectrode adjacent to the first pixel electrode in a direction parallelto a second direction crossing the first direction; and a second dividedpixel electrode adjacent to the first divided pixel electrode in adirection parallel to the first direction and adjacent to the secondpixel electrode in a direction parallel to the second direction.

The first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode and the thirdpixel electrode may be included in one unit pixel.

Each of the first substrate and the second substrate may have a curvedsurface curved along a direction parallel to the first direction.

The display device may further include a light blocking layer betweenthe first substrate and the second substrate. The light blocking layermay include: a first light blocking portion overlapping an area betweenthe first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode and overlappingfacing edge portions of the first pixel electrode and the second pixelelectrode; and a second light blocking portion overlapping an areabetween the first divided pixel electrode and the second divided pixelelectrode and overlapping facing edge portions of the first dividedpixel electrode and the second divided pixel electrode.

A width of the first light blocking portion in a direction parallel tothe first direction may be substantially equal to a width of the secondlight blocking portion in a direction parallel to the first direction.

The first light blocking portion and the second light blocking portionmay be unitary.

The first light blocking portion and the second light blocking portionwhich are unitary may have a straight line shape.

At least two of the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrodeand the third pixel electrode may have different sizes.

A distance between the first pixel electrode and the second pixelelectrode may be substantially equal to a distance between the firstdivided pixel electrode and the second divided pixel electrode.

The first pixel electrode may be located at a first quadrant ofquadrants which are defined by the gate line and one of the first dataline, the second data line and the third data line, the second pixelelectrode may be located at a second quadrant of the quadrants, thefirst divided pixel electrode may be located at a third quadrant of thequadrants, and the second divided pixel electrode may be located at afourth quadrant of the quadrants.

The display device may further include: a first color layer locatedcorresponding to the first pixel electrode; a second color layer locatedcorresponding to the second pixel electrode;

and a third color layer including a first divided color layer locatedcorresponding to the first divided pixel electrode and a second dividedcolor layer located corresponding to the second divided pixel electrode.

The first color layer, the second color layer and the third color layermay be configured to emit lights of different colors, respectively, andthe first divided color layer and the second divided color layer may beconfigured to emit lights of a substantially same color.

At least two of the first color layer, the second color layer and thethird color layer may have different sizes.

The foregoing is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, exemplaryembodiments, and features described above, further aspects, exemplaryembodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to thedrawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation according to an exemplary embodiment willbecome more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodimentsthereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a display device according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration view illustrating a unit pixel ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the structure of FIG. 2 further includinga second light blocking layer;

FIG. 4 is a view separately illustrating a color layer and a lightblocking layer in the structure of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the structure of FIG. 2 further includinga polarization layer;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III′ of FIG.2;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV′ of FIG.2;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is an overall view illustrating a second light blocking layer ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II′ of FIG.11;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view illustrating an arrangement of colorlayers according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating an arrangement of colorlayers according to an alternative exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view illustrating an arrangement of colorlayers according to another alternative exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view illustrating an arrangement of colorlayers according to still another alternative exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view illustrating the size of color layersincluded in one unit pixel;

FIG. 19 is another explanatory view illustrating the size of colorlayers included in one unit pixel;

FIG. 20 is a detailed configuration view illustrating the unit pixel ofFIG. 1 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 1;and

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 3according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings. Although the invention may bemodified in various manners and have several exemplary embodiments,exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings andwill be mainly described in the specification. However, the scope of theinvention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and should beconstrued as including all the changes, equivalents, and substitutionsincluded in the spirit and scope of the invention.

In the drawings, thicknesses of a plurality of layers and areas areillustrated in an enlarged manner for clarity and ease of descriptionthereof. When a layer, area, or plate is referred to as being “on”another layer, area, or plate, it may be directly on another layer,area, or plate, or intervening layers, areas, or plates may be presenttherebetween. Conversely, when a layer, area, or plate is referred to asbeing “directly on” another layer, area, or plate, intervening layers,areas, or plates may be absent therebetween. Further when a layer, area,or plate is referred to as being “below” another layer, area, or plate,it may be directly below another layer, area, or plate, or interveninglayers, areas, or plates may be present therebetween. Conversely, when alayer, area, or plate is referred to as being “directly below” anotherlayer, area, or plate, intervening layers, areas, or plates may beabsent therebetween.

The spatially relative terms “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe the relations between one element or component and anotherelement or component as illustrated in the drawings. It will beunderstood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition tothe orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, in the case wherea device illustrated in the drawing is turned over, the device located“below” or “beneath” another device may be placed “above” anotherdevice. Accordingly, the illustrative term “below” may include both thelower and upper positions. The device may also be oriented in anotherdirection, and thus the spatially relative terms may be interpreteddifferently depending on the orientations.

Throughout the specification, when an element is referred to as being“connected” to another element, the element is “directly connected” toanother element, or “electrically connected” to another element with oneor more intervening elements interposed therebetween. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or“including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,”“third,” and the like may be used herein to describe various elements,these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms areonly used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, “afirst element” discussed below could be termed “a second element” or “athird element,” and “a second element” and “a third element” may betermed likewise without departing from the teachings herein.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical andscientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by thoseskilled in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be furtherunderstood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense unlessclearly defined in the present specification.

Some of the parts which are not associated with the description may notbe provided in order to As a more detailed example describe exemplaryembodiments according to an exemplary embodiment, and like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, a display device according to an exemplary embodiment willbe described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a display device according to an exemplaryembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display device according to an exemplaryembodiment includes a display panel 101, a gate driver 111 and a datadriver 112.

The display panel 101 includes a plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLi, aplurality of data lines DL1 to DLj and a plurality of unit pixels UPX.

Each unit pixel UPX includes three pixels adjacent to each other withrespect to a gate line and a data line as a boundary. For example, oneunit pixel UPX includes a first pixel PX1, a second pixel PX2 and athird pixel PX3.

When one of a first data line DL1, a second data line DL2 and a thirddata line DL3 is defined as a reference data line, a planar surface isdivided into four quadrants by a first gate line GL1 and the referencedata line crossing each other, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In such anexemplary embodiment, the four quadrants will be respectively defined asa second quadrant, a first quadrant, a third quadrant and a fourthquadrant in counterclockwise order from an upper right quadrant. Thatis, an inner surface of a first substrate 301 (see FIG. 6) to bedescribed below may be divided into a first quadrant, a second quadrant,a third quadrant and a fourth quadrant.

Of the first, second and third pixels PX1, PX2 and PX3 included in oneunit pixel UPX, the first pixel PX1 is located in the first quadrant,the second pixel PX2 is located in the second quadrant, a portion of thethird pixels PX3 is located in the third quadrant, and another part ofthe third pixel PX3 is located in the fourth quadrant.

Of the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2 and the third pixel PX3,one pixel may be a red pixel emitting a red light, another pixel may bea green pixel emitting a green light, and the other pixel may be a bluepixel emitting a blue light.

Of the first, second and third pixels PX1, PX2 and PX3 included in oneunit pixel UPX, the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 face eachother, having at least one data line therebetween. In other words, thefirst pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 are located adjacent to eachother with at least one data line therebetween. For example, the firstpixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 of one unit pixel UPX are locatedadjacent to each other, having the first data line DL1, the second dataline DL2 and the third data line DL3 therebetween. At least a portion ofthe first data line DL1, at least a portion of the second data line DL2and at least a portion of the third data line DL3 are located betweenthe first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2.

Of the first, second and third pixels PX1, PX2 and PX3 included in oneunit pixel UPX, the third pixel PX3 faces the first pixel PX1 and thesecond pixel PX2, having the gate line therebetween. In other words, aportion of the third pixel PX3 and the first pixel PX1 are locatedadjacent to each other with a gate line therebetween, and another partof the third pixel PX3 and the second pixel PX2 are located adjacent toeach other with the gate line therebetween, each of these portions ofthe third pixel PX3 respectively adjacent to the first pixel PX1 andsecond pixel PX2 in a different direction than the direction ofadjacency between first pixel PX1 and second pixel PX2. For example, aportion of the third pixel PX3 and the first pixel PX1 included in oneunit pixel UPX are located adjacent to each other with the first gateline GL1 therebetween, and another part of the third pixel PX3 and thesecond pixel PX2 included in the unit pixel UPX are located adjacent toeach other with the first gate line GL1 therebetween.

Each pixel is connected to a gate line and a data line. In such anexemplary embodiment, pixels included in one unit pixel UPX areconnected in common to one gate line and respectively connected todifferent data lines. For example, the first pixel PX1 of one unit pixelUPX is connected to the first gate line GL1 and the first data line DL1,the second pixel PX2 of said unit pixel UPX is connected to the firstgate line GL1 and the second data line DL2, and the third pixel PX3 ofsaid unit pixel UPX is connected to the first gate line GL1 and thethird data line DL3.

The third pixel PX3 crosses at least one data line. For example, thethird pixel PX3 included in one unit pixel UPX crosses the first, secondand third data lines DL1, DL2 and DL3.

The gate driver 111 generates gate signals according to a gate controlsignal applied from a timing controller (not illustrated) andsequentially applies the gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL1to GLi. The gate driver 111, for example, may include a shift registerwhich shifts a gate start pulse according to a gate shift clock tothereby generate gate signals. The gate driver 111 may be located at anon-display area of the display panel 101.

The data driver 112 receives image data signals and a data controlsignal from the timing controller. The data driver 112 samples the imagedata signals according to the data control signal, latches the sampledimage data signals corresponding to one horizontal line each horizontalperiod, and applies the latched image data signals to the data lines DL1to DLj. That is, the data driver 112 converts the image data signalsapplied from the timing controller into analog image data signals byusing gamma reference voltages input from a power supply, and appliesthe converted image data signals to the data lines DL1 to DLj.

FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration view illustrating the unit pixel UPXof FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the structure of FIG. 2 furtherincluding a second light blocking layer, FIG. 4 is a view separatelyillustrating a color layer and a light blocking layer in the structureof FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the structure of FIG. 2further including a polarization layer.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 3,FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II′ of FIG. 2,FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III′ of FIG.2, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV′ of FIG.2, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V′ ofFIG. 2. Herein, FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 include cross-sections of thesecond light blocking layer of FIG. 3 and the polarization layer of FIG.5.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the unit pixel UPX includes the first pixelPX1, the second pixel PX2 and the third pixel PX3.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first pixel PX1 includes a first switchingelement TFT1, a first pixel electrode PE1 and a first color layer 351.

The first switching element TFT1 includes a first semiconductor layer321, a first gate electrode GE1, a first source electrode SE1 and afirst drain electrode DEL The first gate electrode GE1 is connected tothe first gate line GL1, the first source electrode SE1 is connected tothe first data line DL1, and the first drain electrode DE1 is connectedto the first pixel electrode PE1.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second pixel PX2 includes a secondswitching element TFT2, a second pixel electrode PE2 and a second colorlayer 352.

The second switching element TFT2 includes a second semiconductor layer322, a second gate electrode GE2, a second source electrode SE2 and asecond drain electrode DE2. The second gate electrode GE2 is connectedto the first gate line GL1, the second source electrode SE2 is connectedto the second data line DL2, and the second drain electrode DE2 isconnected to the second pixel electrode PE2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the third pixel PX3 includes a third switchingelement TFT3, a third pixel electrode PE3 and a third color layer 353.

The third switching element TFT3 includes a third semiconductor layer323, a third gate electrode GE3, a third source electrode SE3 and athird drain electrode DE3. The third gate electrode GE3 is connected tothe first gate line GL1, the third source electrode SE3 is connected tothe third data line DL3, and the third drain electrode DE3 is connectedto the third pixel electrode PE3.

The first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2 and the third pixel PX3 arelocated between the first substrate 301 (see FIG. 6) and a secondsubstrate 302 (see FIG. 6) of the display panel 101. In other words, asillustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the display panel 101 includesthe first substrate 301 and the second substrate 302 spaced apart fromeach other by a predetermined distance. In such an exemplary embodiment,the first switching element TFT1, the first pixel electrode PE1, thefirst color layer 351, the second switching element TFT2, the secondpixel electrode PE2, the second color layer 352, the third switchingelement TFT3, the third pixel electrode PE3 and the third color layer353 are located between the first substrate 301 and the second substrate302.

In addition, the first gate line GL1, the first data line DL1, thesecond data line DL2, the third data line DL3, a gate insulating layer311, a protection layer 320, a first light blocking layer 371, a columnspacer 472, a liquid crystal layer 333, a common electrode 330, apolarization layer 700, a planarization layer 356, a dichroic reflectionlayer 388 and a second light blocking layer 372 are located between thefirst substrate 301 and the second substrate 302.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first gate line GL1 extends in a directionparallel to an X axis (hereinafter, “an X-axis direction”). Asillustrated in FIG. 8, the first gate line GL1 is located on the firstsubstrate 301.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first gate line GL1 is connected to thefirst gate electrode GE1, the second gate electrode GE2 and the thirdgate electrode GE3. The first gate line GL1, the first gate electrodeGE1, the second gate electrode GE2 and the third gate electrode GE3 maybe unitary (e.g., integrally formed in a monolithic structure).

Although not illustrated, an end portion of the first gate line GL1 mayhave an area larger than an area of another portion of the first gateline GL1 for connection to another layer or an external driving circuit.

The first gate line GL1 may include one of: aluminum (Al) or alloysthereof, silver (Ag) or alloys thereof, copper (Cu) or alloys thereof,and/or molybdenum (Mo) or alloys thereof. In addition, the first gateline GL1 may include one of: chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta) and/ortitanium (Ti). In an exemplary embodiment, the first gate line GL1 mayhave a multilayer structure including at least two conductive layersthat have different physical properties.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first gate electrode GE1 may have a shapeprotruding from the first gate line GL1. As illustrated in FIG. 6, thefirst gate electrode GE1 is located on the first substrate 301. Thefirst gate electrode GE1 may be a portion of the first gate line GL1.The first gate electrode GE1 and the first gate line GL1 may be unitary(e.g., integrally formed in a monolithic structure).

The first gate electrode GE1 may include a substantially same materialand may have a substantially same structure (a multilayer structure) asthose of the first gate line GL1. The first gate electrode GE1 and thefirst gate line GL1 may be substantially simultaneously formed in asubstantially same process.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second gate electrode GE2 may have a shapeprotruding from the first gate line GL1. As illustrated in FIG. 7, thesecond gate electrode GE2 is located on the first substrate 301. Thesecond gate electrode GE2 may be a portion of the first gate line GL1.The second gate electrode GE2 and the first gate line GL1 may be unitary(e.g., integrally formed in a monolithic structure).

The second gate electrode GE2 may include a substantially same materialand may have a substantially same structure (a multilayer structure) asthose of the first gate line GL1. The second gate electrode GE2 and thefirst gate line GL1 may be substantially simultaneously formed in asubstantially same process.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the third gate electrode GE3 may have a shapeprotruding from the first gate line GL1. As illustrated in FIG. 8, thethird gate electrode GE3 is located on the first substrate 301. Thethird gate electrode GE3 may be a portion of the first gate line GL1.The third gate electrode GE3 and the first gate line GL1 may be unitary(e.g., integrally formed in a monolithic structure).

The third gate electrode GE3 may include a substantially same materialand may have a substantially same structure (a multilayer structure) asthose of the first gate line GL1. The third gate electrode GE3 and thefirst gate line GL1 may be substantially simultaneously formed in asubstantially same process.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the gate insulating layer 311is located on the first gate line GL1, the first gate electrode GE1, thesecond gate electrode GE2 and the third gate electrode GE3. In such anexemplary embodiment, the gate insulating layer 311 is located over anentire surface of the first substrate 301 including the first gate lineGL1, the first gate electrode GE1, the second gate electrode GE2 and thethird gate electrode GE3. The gate insulating layer 311 may includesilicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), or the like. The gateinsulating layer 311 may have a multilayer structure including at leasttwo insulating layers having different physical properties.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the first semiconductor layer 321overlaps the first gate electrode GE1, the first source electrode SE1and the first drain electrode DEL As illustrated in FIG. 6, the firstsemiconductor layer 321 is located on the gate insulating layer 311. Thefirst semiconductor layer 321 may include amorphous silicon,polycrystalline silicon, or the like.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7, the second semiconductor layer 322overlaps the second gate electrode GE2, the second source electrode SE2and the second drain electrode DE2. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the secondsemiconductor layer 322 is located on the gate insulating layer 311. Thesecond semiconductor layer 322 may include a material substantially thesame as a material included in the first semiconductor layer 321. Thesecond semiconductor layer 322 and the first semiconductor layer 321 maybe substantially simultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8, the third semiconductor layer 323overlaps the third gate electrode GE3, the third source electrode SE3and the third drain electrode DE3. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the thirdsemiconductor layer 323 is located on the gate insulating layer 311. Thethird semiconductor layer 323 may include a material substantially thesame as a material included in the first semiconductor layer 321. Thethird semiconductor layer 323 and the first semiconductor layer 321 maybe substantially simultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first data line DL1, the second data lineDL2 and the third data line DL3 extend in a direction parallel to a Yaxis (hereinafter, “a Y-axis direction”). The Y axis crosses the X axis.For example, the Y axis may cross the X axis perpendicularly. The thirddata line DL3 is located between the first data line DL1 and the seconddata line DL2. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each of the first data lineDL1, the second data line DL2 and the third data line DL3 crosses thefirst gate line GL1.

Although not illustrated, a portion of the first data line DL1 crossingthe first gate line GL1 may have a line width less than a line width ofanother portion of the first data line DL1. In such an exemplaryembodiment, the line width of the first data line DL1 means a width ofthe first data line DL1 measured in the X-axis direction. Similarly, aportion of the second data line DL2 crossing the first gate line GL1 mayhave a line width less than a line width of another portion of thesecond data line DL2. Similarly, the third data line DL3 crossing thefirst gate line GL1 may have a line width less than a line width ofanother portion of the third data line DL3. Accordingly, a parasiticcapacitance between the data lines (e.g., the first, second and thirddata lines DL1, DL2 and DL3) and the gate line GL1 may be reduced.

Although not illustrated, an end portion of the first data line DL1 mayhave an area larger than an area of another portion of the first dataline DL1 for connection to another layer or an external driving circuit.Similarly, an end portion of the second data line DL2 may have an arealarger than an area of another portion of the second data line DL2 forconnection to another layer or an external driving circuit. Similarly,an end portion of the third data line DL3 may have an area larger thanan area of another portion of the third data line DL3 for connection toanother layer or an external driving circuit.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, each of the first data line DL1, the seconddata line DL2 and the third data line DL3 is located on the gateinsulating layer 311.

The first data line DL1 may include a refractory metal, such asmolybdenum, chromium, tantalum and titanium, or an alloy thereof. Thefirst data line DL1 may have a multilayer structure including arefractory metal layer and a low resistance conductive layer. Examplesof the multilayer structure may include: a double-layer structureincluding a chromium or molybdenum (alloy) lower layer and an aluminum(alloy) upper layer; and a triple-layer structure including a molybdenum(alloy) lower layer, an aluminum (alloy) intermediate layer, and amolybdenum (alloy) upper layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the firstdata line DL1 may include any suitable metals or conductors rather thanthe aforementioned materials.

The second data line DL2 and the third data line DL3 may include asubstantially same material and may have a substantially same structure(a multilayer structure) as those of the first data line DL1. The seconddata line DL2, the third data line DL3 and the first data line DL1 maybe substantially simultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the first source electrode SE1 overlapsthe first gate electrode GE1 and the first semiconductor layer 321. Inaddition, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the first source electrode SE1 islocated on the gate insulating layer 311 and the first semiconductorlayer 321.

The first source electrode SE1 may have a shape protruding from thefirst data line DL1 toward the first drain electrode DEL The firstsource electrode SE1 may be a portion of the first data line DL1. Thefirst source electrode SE1 and the first data line DL1 may be unitary(e.g., integrally formed in a monolithic structure).

The first source electrode SE1 may include a substantially same materialand may have a substantially same structure (a multilayer structure) asthose of the first data line DL1. The first source electrode SE1 and thefirst data line DL1 may be substantially simultaneously formed in asubstantially same process.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the first drain electrode DE1, spacedapart from the first source electrode SE1 at a predetermined distance,is located on the gate insulating layer 311 and the first semiconductorlayer 321. The first drain electrode DE1 overlaps the firstsemiconductor layer 321 and the first gate electrode GE1. A channel areaof the first switching element TFT1 is located at a portion of the firstsemiconductor layer 321 between the first drain electrode DE1 and thefirst source electrode SE1.

The first drain electrode DE1 may include a substantially same materialand may have a substantially same structure (a multilayer structure) asthose of the first data line DL1. The first drain electrode DE1 and thefirst data line DL1 may be substantially simultaneously formed in asubstantially same process.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7, the second source electrode SE2overlaps the second gate electrode GE2 and the second semiconductorlayer 322. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second source electrode SE2 islocated on the gate insulating layer 311 and the second semiconductorlayer 322.

The second source electrode SE2 may have a shape protruding from thesecond data line DL2 toward the second drain electrode DE2. The secondsource electrode SE2 may be a portion of the second data line DL2. Thesecond source electrode SE2 and the second data line DL2 may be unitary(e.g., integrally formed in a monolithic structure).

The second source electrode SE2 may include a substantially samematerial and may have a substantially same structure (a multilayerstructure) as those of the first data line DL1. The second sourceelectrode SE2 and the first data line DL1 may be substantiallysimultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7, the second drain electrode DE2, spacedapart from the second source electrode SE2 at a predetermined distance,is disposed on the gate insulating layer 311 and the secondsemiconductor layer 322. The second drain electrode DE2 overlaps thesecond semiconductor layer 322 and the second gate electrode GE2. Achannel area of the second switching element TFT2 is positioned at aportion of the second semiconductor layer 322 between the second drainelectrode DE2 and the second source electrode SE2.

The second drain electrode DE2 may include a substantially same materialand may have a substantially same structure (a multilayer structure) asthose of the first data line DL1. The second drain electrode DE2 and thefirst data line DL1 may be substantially simultaneously formed in asubstantially same process.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8, the third source electrode SE3 overlapsthe third gate electrode GE3 and the third semiconductor layer 323. Inaddition, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the third source electrode SE3 isdisposed on the gate insulating layer 311 and the third semiconductorlayer 323.

The third source electrode SE3 may have a shape protruding from thethird data line DL3 toward the third gate electrode GE3. The thirdsource electrode SE3 may be a portion of the third data line DL3. Thethird source electrode SE3 and the third data line DL3 may be unitary(e.g., integrally formed in a monolithic structure).

The third source electrode SE3 may include a substantially same materialand may have a substantially same structure (a multilayer structure) asthose of the first data line DL1. The third source electrode SE3 and thefirst data line DL1 may be substantially simultaneously formed in asubstantially same process.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8, the third drain electrode DE3, spacedapart from the third source electrode SE3 at a predetermined distance,is located on the gate insulating layer 311 and the third semiconductorlayer 323. The third drain electrode DE3 overlaps the thirdsemiconductor layer 323 and the third gate electrode GE3. A channel areaof the third switching element TFT3 is positioned at a portion of thethird semiconductor layer 323 between the third drain electrode DE3 andthe third source electrode SE3.

The third drain electrode DE3 may include a substantially same materialand may have a substantially same structure (a multilayer structure) asthose of the first data line DL1. The third drain electrode DE3 and thefirst data line DL1 may be substantially simultaneously formed in asubstantially same process.

A first ohmic contact layer 321 a is located between the firstsemiconductor layer 321 and the first source electrode SE1. The firstohmic contact layer 321 a lowers an interfacial resistance between thefirst semiconductor layer 321 and the first source electrode SE1.

The first ohmic contact layer 321 a may include silicide or n+hydrogenated amorphous silicon doped with n-type impurity ions, e.g.,phosphorus (P) or phosphine (PH₃), at high concentration.

A second ohmic contact layer 321 b is located between the firstsemiconductor layer 321 and the first drain electrode DE1. The secondohmic contact layer 321 b lowers an interfacial resistance between thefirst semiconductor layer 321 and the first drain electrode DE1. Thesecond ohmic contact layer 321 b may include a substantially samematerial and may have a substantially same structure (a multilayerstructure) as those of the first ohmic contact layer 321 a. The secondohmic contact layer 321 b and the first ohmic contact layer 321 a may besubstantially simultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

A third ohmic contact layer 322 a is located between the secondsemiconductor layer 322 and the second source electrode SE2. The thirdohmic contact layer 322 a lowers an interfacial resistance between thesecond semiconductor layer 322 and the second source electrode SE2. Thethird ohmic contact layer 322 a may include a substantially samematerial and may have a substantially same structure (a multilayerstructure) as those of the first ohmic contact layer 321 a. The thirdohmic contact layer 322 a and the first ohmic contact layer 321 a may besubstantially simultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

A fourth ohmic contact layer 322 b is located between the secondsemiconductor layer 322 and the second drain electrode DE2. The fourthohmic contact layer 322 b lowers an interfacial resistance between thesecond semiconductor layer 322 and the second drain electrode DE2. Thefourth ohmic contact layer 322 b may include a substantially samematerial and may have a substantially same structure (a multilayerstructure) as those of the first ohmic contact layer 321 a. The fourthohmic contact layer 322 b and the first ohmic contact layer 321 a may besubstantially simultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

A fifth ohmic contact layer 323 a is located between the thirdsemiconductor layer 323 and the third source electrode SE3. The fifthohmic contact layer 323 a lowers an interfacial resistance between thethird semiconductor layer 323 and the third source electrode SE3. Thefifth ohmic contact layer 323 a may include a substantially samematerial and may have a substantially same structure (a multilayerstructure) as those of the first ohmic contact layer 321 a. The fifthohmic contact layer 323 a and the first ohmic contact layer 321 a may besubstantially simultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

A sixth ohmic contact layer 323 b is located between the thirdsemiconductor layer 323 and the third drain electrode DE3. The sixthohmic contact layer 323 b lowers an interfacial resistance between thethird semiconductor layer 323 and the third drain electrode DE3. Thesixth ohmic contact layer 323 b may include a substantially samematerial and may have a substantially same structure (a multilayerstructure) as those of the first ohmic contact layer 321 a. The sixthohmic contact layer 323 b and the first ohmic contact layer 321 a may besubstantially simultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

Although not illustrated, a semiconductor layer (hereinafter, “a firstadditional semiconductor layer”) may be further disposed between thegate insulating layer 311 and the first source electrode SE1. Inaddition, a semiconductor layer (hereinafter, “a second additionalsemiconductor layer”) may be further disposed between the gateinsulating layer 311 and the first drain electrode DEL In addition, asemiconductor layer (hereinafter, “a third additional semiconductorlayer”) may be further disposed between the gate insulating layer 311and the second source electrode SE2. In addition, a semiconductor layer(hereinafter, “a fourth additional semiconductor layer”) may be furtherdisposed between the gate insulating layer 311 and the second drainelectrode DE2. In addition, a semiconductor layer (hereinafter, “a fifthadditional semiconductor layer”) may be further disposed between thegate insulating layer 311 and the third source electrode SE3. Inaddition, a semiconductor layer (hereinafter, “a sixth additionalsemiconductor layer”) may be further disposed between the gateinsulating layer 311 and the third drain electrode DE3. In addition, asemiconductor layer (hereinafter, “a seventh additional semiconductorlayer”) may be further disposed between the gate insulating layer 311and the first data line DL1. In addition, a semiconductor layer(hereinafter, “an eighth additional semiconductor layer”) may be furtherdisposed between the gate insulating layer 311 and the second data lineDL2.

In addition, although not illustrated, an ohmic contact layer may befurther disposed between the first additional semiconductor layer andthe first source electrode SE1. In addition, an ohmic contact layer maybe further disposed between the second additional semiconductor layerand the first drain electrode DEL In addition, an ohmic contact layermay be further disposed between the third additional semiconductor layerand the second source electrode SE2. In addition, an ohmic contact layermay be further disposed between the fourth additional semiconductorlayer and the second drain electrode DE2. In addition, an ohmic contactlayer may be further disposed between the fifth additional semiconductorlayer and the third source electrode SE3. In addition, an ohmic contactlayer may be further disposed between the sixth additional semiconductorlayer and the third drain electrode DE3. In addition, an ohmic contactlayer may be further disposed between the seventh additionalsemiconductor layer and the first data line DL1. In addition, an ohmiccontact layer may be further disposed between the eighth additionalsemiconductor layer and the second data line DL2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the protection layer 320 isdisposed on the gate insulating layer 311, the first data line DL1, thesecond data line DL2, the third data line DL3, the first sourceelectrode SE1, the second source electrode SE2, the third sourceelectrode SE3, the first drain electrode DE1, the second drain electrodeDE2 and the third drain electrode DE3. In such an exemplary embodiment,the protection layer 320 is located over an entire surface of the firstsubstrate 301 including over the gate insulating layer 311, the firstdata line DL1, the second data line DL2, the first source electrode SE1,the second source electrode SE2, the third source electrode SE3, thefirst drain electrode DE1, the second drain electrode DE2 and the thirddrain electrode DE3. A surface of the protection layer 320 facing towardthe second substrate 302 is flat.

The protection layer 320 has a first drain contact hole 11, a seconddrain contact hole 12 and a third drain contact hole 13 passing throughthe protection layer 320. The first drain contact hole 11 is definedcorresponding to the first drain electrode DE1, the second drain contacthole 12 is defined corresponding to the second drain electrode DE2, andthe third drain contact hole 13 is defined corresponding to the thirddrain electrode DE3.

The protection layer 320 may include an inorganic insulating materialsuch as silicon nitride (SiN_(x)) or silicon oxide (SiO_(x)), and insuch an exemplary embodiment, an inorganic insulating material havingphotosensitivity and a dielectric constant of about 4.0 may be used. Inan exemplary embodiment, the protection layer 320 may have adouble-layer structure including a lower inorganic layer and an upperorganic layer. The protection layer 320 may have a thickness greaterthan or equal to about 5000 Å, e.g., in a range of about 6000 Å to about8000 Å.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first pixel electrode PE1 is locatedadjacent to the first gate line GL1 and the first data line DL1. Thefirst pixel electrode PE1 is located at the first quadrant. In the casewhere the aforementioned reference data line is the third data line DL3,the first pixel electrode PE1 does not overlap the third data line DL3and the second data line DL2. On the other hand, the first pixelelectrode PE1 may or may not overlap the first data line DL1 adjacent tothe first pixel electrode PE1.

The first pixel electrode PE1 is connected to the first switchingelement TFT1. For example, the first pixel electrode PE1 is connected tothe first switching element TFT1 through a first connection electrode551 protruding from the first pixel electrode PE1. As a detailedexample, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the first pixel electrode PE1 isconnected to the first drain electrode DE1 of the first switchingelement TFT1 through the first connection electrode 551 and the firstdrain contact hole 11 of the protection layer 320.

The first pixel electrode PE1 may include a transparent conductivematerial such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Insuch an exemplary embodiment, ITO may be a polycrystalline ormonocrystalline material, and IZO may be a polycrystalline ormonocrystalline material as well. Alternatively, IZO may be an amorphousmaterial.

The first connection electrode 551 and the first pixel electrode PE1 maybe unitary (e.g., integrally formed in a monolithic structure). Thefirst connecting electrode 551 may include a substantially same materialand may have a substantially same structure (a multilayer structure) asthose of the first pixel electrode PE1. The first connection electrode551 and the first pixel electrode PE1 may be substantiallysimultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second pixel electrode PE2 is locatedadjacent to the first gate line GL1 and the second data line DL2. Thesecond pixel electrode PE2 is located at the second quadrant. In thecase where the aforementioned reference data line is the third data lineDL3, the second pixel electrode PE2 does not overlap the third data lineDL3 and the first data line DL1. On the other hand, the second pixelelectrode PE2 may or may not overlap the second data line DL2 adjacentto the second pixel electrode PE2.

The second pixel electrode PE2 is connected to the second switchingelement TFT2. For example, the second pixel electrode PE2 is connectedto the second switching element TFT2 through a second connectionelectrode 552 protruding from the second pixel electrode PE2. As adetailed example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the second pixel electrodePE2 is connected to the second drain electrode DE2 of the secondswitching element TFT2 through the second connection electrode 552 andthe second drain contact hole 12 of the protection layer 320.

The second pixel electrode PE2 may include a substantially same materialand may have a substantially same structure (a multilayer structure) asthose of the first pixel electrode PE1. The second connection electrode552 and the first pixel electrode PE1 may be substantiallysimultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

The second connection electrode 552 and the second pixel electrode PE2may be unitary (e.g., integrally formed in a monolithic structure). Thesecond connecting electrode 552 may include a substantially samematerial and may have a substantially same structure (a multilayerstructure) as those of the first pixel electrode PE1. The secondconnection electrode 552 and the first pixel electrode PE1 may besubstantially simultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the third pixel electrode PE3 includes a firstdivided pixel electrode PE3 a and a second divided pixel electrode PE3b.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first divided pixel electrode PE3 a islocated adjacent to the first gate line GL1 and the first data line DL1.The first divided pixel electrode PE3 a is located at the thirdquadrant. In the case where the aforementioned reference data line isthe third data line DL3, the first divided pixel electrode PE3 a doesnot overlap the third data line DL3 and the second data line DL2. On theother hand, the first divided pixel electrode PE3 a may or may notoverlap the first data line DL1 adjacent to the first divided pixelelectrode PE3 a.

The first divided pixel electrode PE3 a is connected to the thirdswitching element TFT3. For example, the first divided pixel electrodePE3 a is connected to the third switching element TFT3 through a thirdconnection electrode 553 protruding from first divided pixel electrodePE3 a. As a more detailed example, the first divided pixel electrode PE3a is connected to the third drain electrode DE3 of the third switchingelement TFT3 through the third connection electrode 553 and the thirddrain contact hole 13 of the protection layer 320.

The first divided pixel electrode PE3 a may include a substantially samematerial and may have a substantially same structure (a multilayerstructure) as those of the aforementioned first pixel electrode PE1. Thefirst divided pixel electrode PE3 a and the first pixel electrode PE1may be substantially simultaneously formed in a substantially sameprocess.

The third connection electrode 553, the first divided pixel electrodePE3 a and the second divided pixel electrode PE3 b may be unitary (e.g.,integrally formed in a monolithic structure). The third connectionelectrode 553 may include a substantially same material and may have asubstantially same structure (a multilayer structure) as those of theaforementioned first pixel electrode PE1. The third connection electrode553 and the first pixel electrode PE1 may be substantiallysimultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second divided pixel electrode PE3 b islocated adjacent to the first gate line GL1 and the second data lineDL2. The second divided pixel electrode PE3 b is located at the fourthquadrant. In the case where the aforementioned reference data line isthe third data line DL3, the second divided pixel electrode PE3 b doesnot overlap the third data line DL3 and the first data line DL1. On theother hand, the second divided pixel electrode PE3 b may or may notoverlap the second data line DL2 adjacent to the second divided pixelelectrode PE3 b.

The second divided pixel electrode PE3 b is connected to the thirdswitching element TFT3. For example, the second divided pixel electrodePE3 b is connected to the third switching element TFT3 through the thirdconnection electrode 553 described above. As a more detailed example, asillustrated in FIG. 8, the second divided pixel electrode PE3 b isconnected to the third drain electrode DE3 of the third switchingelement TFT3 through the third connection electrode 553 and the thirddrain contact hole 13 of the protection layer 320. The second dividedpixel electrode PE3 b and the first divided pixel electrode PE3 a may beunitary (e.g., integrally formed in a monolithic structure).

The second divided pixel electrode PE3 b may include a substantiallysame material and may have a substantially same structure (a multilayerstructure) as those of the aforementioned first pixel electrode PE1. Thesecond divided pixel electrode PE3 b and the first pixel electrode PE1may be substantially simultaneously formed in a substantially sameprocess.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, from a plan view, at least two of the firstpixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2 and the third pixelelectrode PE3 included in the unit pixel UPX may have different sizes.

For example, in the case where the first pixel electrode PE1 is a pixelelectrode included in a red pixel, the second pixel electrode PE2 is apixel electrode included in a green pixel, and the third pixel electrodePE3 is a pixel electrode included in a blue pixel, the first pixelelectrode PE1 may have a size less than a size of the second pixelelectrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may have a size lessthan a size of the second pixel electrode PE2. In such an exemplaryembodiment, the first divided pixel electrode PE3 a adjacent to thefirst pixel electrode PE1 may have a size less than a size of the seconddivided pixel electrode PE3 b adjacent to the second pixel electrodePE2.

As another example, in the case where the first pixel electrode PE1, thesecond pixel electrode PE2 and the third pixel electrode PE3 areincluded in the red pixel, the green pixel, and the blue pixel,respectively, as described above, the second pixel electrode PE2 mayhave a size less than a size of the first pixel electrode PE1 and thethird pixel electrode PE3 may have a size less than a size of the secondpixel electrode PE2. In such an exemplary embodiment, the second dividedpixel electrode PE3 b adjacent to the second pixel electrode PE2 mayhave a size less than a size of the first divided pixel electrode PE3 aadjacent to the first pixel electrode PE1.

As another example, in the case where the first pixel electrode PE1, thesecond pixel electrode PE2 and the third pixel electrode PE3 areincluded in the red pixel, the green pixel and the blue pixel,respectively, as described above, the first pixel electrode PE1 may havea size substantially equal to a size of the second pixel electrode PE2and the third pixel electrode PE3 may have a size less than a size ofthe first pixel electrode PE1. In such an exemplary embodiment, thefirst divided pixel electrode PE3 a may have a size substantially equalto a size of the second divided pixel electrode PE3 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a distance D1 between the first pixelelectrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 included in one unitpixel UPX may be substantially equal to a distance D2 between the firstdivided pixel electrode PE3 a and the second divided pixel electrode PE3b included in the unit pixel UPX.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the first light blockinglayer 371 is located on the protection layer 320. In addition, the firstlight blocking layer 371 is further located on a portion of the firstpixel electrode PE1, a portion of the second pixel electrode PE2, aportion of the first divided pixel electrode PE3 a and a portion of thesecond divided pixel electrode PE3 b. For example, the first lightblocking layer 371 is located on facing edge portions of the first pixelelectrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2. Further, the firstlight blocking layer 371 is located on facing edge portions of the firstdivided pixel electrode PE3 a and the second divided pixel electrode PE3b. In addition, the first light blocking layer 371 is located on facingedge portions of the first pixel electrode PE1 and the first dividedpixel electrode PE3 a. In addition, the first light blocking layer 371is located on facing edge portions of the second pixel electrode PE2 andthe second divided pixel electrode PE3 b. In addition, the first lightblocking layer 371 is located between the first pixel electrode PE1 andthe second pixel electrode PE2, between the first divided pixelelectrode PE3 a and the second divided pixel electrode PE3 b, betweenthe first pixel electrode PE1 and the first divided pixel electrode PE3a and between the second pixel electrode PE2 and the second dividedpixel electrode PE3 b. In an exemplary embodiment, in the case where aportion of the first light blocking layer 371 between the first pixelelectrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 is defined as a firstlight blocking portion, and a portion of the first light blocking layer371 between the first divided pixel electrode PE3 a and the seconddivided pixel electrodes PE3 b is defined as a second light blockingportion, the first light blocking layer 371 is further located betweenthe first light blocking portion and the second light blocking portion.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the column spacer 472 is located on the firstlight blocking layer 371. The column spacer 472 and the first lightblocking layer 371 may be unitary (e.g., integrally formed in amonolithic structure). The column spacer 472 may include a substantiallysame material and may have a substantially same structure as those ofthe aforementioned first light blocking layer 371. The column spacer 472and the first light blocking layer 371 may be substantiallysimultaneously formed in a substantially same process.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, a polarization plate 381 islocated between the first substrate 301 and a backlight unit 444.

When a surface of the first substrate 110 and a surface of the secondsubstrate 302 that face each other are defined as inner surfaces of thecorresponding substrates, respectively, and surfaces opposite to theinner surfaces are defined as outer surfaces of the correspondingsubstrates, respectively, the polarization plate 381 may be located onthe outer surface of the first substrate 301.

The first color layer 351, the second color layer 352 and the thirdcolor layer 353 included in each unit pixel are adjacent to each otherwith respect to the gate line and the data line as a boundary. Forexample, the first color layer 351, the second color layer 352 and thethird color layer 353 included in one unit pixel UPX are adjacent toeach other with the first gate line GL1, the first data line DL1, thesecond data line DL2 and the third data line DL3 as a boundary.

Of the first, second and third color layers 351, 352 and 353 included inone unit pixel UPX, the first color layer 351 and the second color layer352 face each other, having at least one data line therebetween. Inother words, the first color layer 351 and the second color layer 352are located adjacent to each other with at least one data linetherebetween. For example, the first color layer 351 and the secondcolor layer 352 of the unit pixel UPX are located adjacent to eachother, having the first data line DL1, the second data line DL2 and thethird data line DL3 therebetween. At least a portion of the first dataline DL1, at least a portion of the second data line DL2 and at least aportion of the third data line DL3 are located between the first colorlayer 351 and the second color layer 352.

Of the first, second and third pixels PX3 included in one unit pixelUPX, the third color layer 353 faces the first color layer 351 and thesecond color layer 352 with a gate line therebetween. In other words, aportion of the third color layer 353 and the first color layer 351 arelocated adjacent to each other with the gate line therebetween, andanother portion of the third color layer 353 and the second color layer352 are located adjacent to each other with the gate line therebetween.For example, a first divided color layer 353 a of the third color layer353 and the first color layer 351 included in one unit pixel UPX arelocated adjacent to each other with the first gate line GL1therebetween, and a second divided color layer 353 b of the third colorlayer 353 and the second color layer 352 included in said unit pixel UPXare located adjacent to each other with the first gate line GL1therebetween.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first color layer 351 and the second colorlayer 352 of the unit pixel UPX are arranged along the X-axis direction.The second color layer 352 is adjacent to the first color layer 351 inthe X-axis direction.

The first divided color layer 353 a and the second divided color layer353 b of the unit pixel UPX are arranged along the X-axis direction. Thesecond divided color layer 353 b is adjacent to the first divided colorlayer 353 a in the X-axis direction. In such an exemplary embodiment,the first divided color layer 353 a and the second divided color layer353 b are arranged along the X-axis direction so as not to cross oroverlap the first color layer 351 and the second color layer 352.

The first color layer 351 and the first divided color layer 353 a of theunit pixel UPX are arranged along the Y-axis direction. The firstdivided color layer 353 a is adjacent to the first color layer 351 inthe Y-axis direction and adjacent to the second divided color layer 353b in the X-axis direction.

The second color layer 352 and the second divided color layer 353 b ofthe unit pixel UPX are arranged along the Y-axis direction. The seconddivided color layer 353 b is adjacent to the second color layer 352 inthe Y-axis direction and adjacent to the first divided color layer 353 ain the X-axis direction. In such an exemplary embodiment, the secondcolor layer 352 and the second divided color layer 353 b are arrangedalong the Y-axis direction so as not to cross or overlap the first colorlayer 351 and the first divided color layer 353 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first color layer 351 is located adjacentto the first gate line GL1 and the first data line DL1. The first colorlayer 351 is located at the first quadrant. The first color layer 351 islocated corresponding to the first pixel electrode PE1 at the firstquadrant. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first color layer 351 is locatedon the second substrate 302.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first color layer 351 may include a firstcolor filter layer 411 and a first color conversion layer 412.

The first color filter layer 411 is located between the second substrate302 and the first color conversion layer 412.

The first color conversion layer 412 is located on the first colorfilter layer 411. In other words, the first color conversion layer 412is located between the first color filter layer 411 and the firstsubstrate 301. As a more detailed example, the first color conversionlayer 412 may be located between the first color filter layer 411 andthe dichroic reflection layer 388. The first color conversion layer 412and the first color filter layer 411 may have a substantially same shapeon a plane.

The first color conversion layer 412 converts a color of a light Lemitted from the backlight unit 444. To this end, the first colorconversion layer 412 converts a wavelength of the light L emitted fromthe backlight unit 444. The first color conversion layer 412 mayinclude, for example, quantum dot particles. In addition, the firstcolor conversion layer 412 may further include at least one of metalelements based on: sulfide, silicon (Si), and/or nitride.

The quantum dot particle converts the wavelength of a light to emit adesired specific light. The wavelength of the light emitted from thefirst color conversion layer 412 varies depending on the size of thequantum dot particle. In other words, the color of light emitted fromthe first color conversion layer 412 varies depending on a diameter ofthe quantum dot.

The quantum dot particle may have a diameter of about 2 nm or more andabout 10 nm or less. In general, in the case where the quantum dotparticle has a small diameter, the wavelength of the output light isshortened and a blue-based light is output. On the other hand, in thecase where the diameter of the quantum dot particle increases, thewavelength of the output light is lengthened and a red-based light isoutput. For example, a quantum dot particle having a diameter of about10 nm may output a red light, a quantum dot particle having a diameterof about 7 nm may output a green light, and a quantum dot particlehaving a diameter of about 5 nm may output a blue light.

The quantum dot particle may have a dual structure including of an innercore and an outer shell surrounding the inner core. As a more detailedexample, the quantum dot particle including a CdSe/ZnS material includesan inner core including CdSe and an outer shell including ZnS.

Alternatively, the first color conversion layer 412 may include quantumrod particles instead of the quantum dot particles described above.

In the case where the first pixel PX1 is a red pixel that emits a redlight, the first color conversion layer 412 of the first pixel PX1 maybe a red conversion layer that emits a red light. In such an exemplaryembodiment, the first color conversion layer 412 converts the light fromthe backlight unit 444 into a red light. Herein, the light from thebacklight unit 444 may be a white light or a blue light.

The light L from the backlight unit 444 passes through the first colorconversion layer 412 to reach the first color filter layer 411, and thefirst color filter layer 411 blocks a blue light having passed throughthe first color conversion layer 412 without being converted into red.In the case where the first color conversion layer 412 is a redconversion layer as described above, the first color filter layer 411may be a red color filter layer having a red color.

On the other hand, in the case where the aforementioned backlight unit444 emits a blue light, a first blue cut filter (not illustrated) may befurther located between the first color conversion layer 412 (i.e., ared conversion layer) and the first color filter layer 411 (i.e., a redcolor filter layer) so as to improve the effects of blocking the bluelight. The first blue cut filter is located between the first colorconversion layer 412 and the first color filter layer 411. The firstblue cut filter blocks a blue light that has not been converted into redat the first color conversion layer 412 and passed through the firstcolor conversion layer 412. The first blue cut filter may have arefractive index greater than that of the first color conversion layer412 and less than that of the first color filter layer 411. An air layermay be used as the first blue cut filter.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second color layer 352 is located adjacentto the first gate line GL1 and the second data line DL2. The secondcolor layer 352 is located at the second quadrant. The second colorlayer 352 is located corresponding to the second pixel electrode PE2 atthe second quadrant. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second color layer352 is located on the second substrate 302.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second color layer 352 may include asecond color filter layer 421 and a second color conversion layer 422.

The second color filter layer 421 is located between the secondsubstrate 302 and the second color conversion layer 422.

The second color conversion layer 422 is located on the second colorfilter layer 421. In other words, the second color conversion layer 422is located between the second color filter layer 421 and the firstsubstrate 301. As a more detailed example, the second color conversionlayer 422 may be located between the second color filter layer 421 andthe dichroic reflection layer 388. The second color conversion layer 422and the second color filter layer 421 may have a substantially sameshape on a plane.

The second color conversion layer 422 converts the color of the light Lemitted from the backlight unit 444. To this end, the second colorconversion layer 422 converts the wavelength of the light L emitted fromthe backlight unit 444. The second color conversion layer 422 mayinclude, for example, a material substantially the same as a materialincluded in the first color conversion layer 412. However, a size ofquantum dots (or quantum rods) included in the second color conversionlayer 422 may be different from a size of the quantum dots (or thequantum rods) included in the first color conversion layer 412. Forexample, the size of the quantum dots (or the quantum rods) included inthe second color conversion layer 422 may be less than the size of thequantum dots (or the quantum rods) included in the first colorconversion layer 412.

In the case where the second pixel PX2 is a green pixel that emits agreen light, the second color conversion layer 422 of the second pixelPX2 may be a green conversion layer that emits a green light. In such anexemplary embodiment, the second color conversion layer 422 converts thelight from the backlight unit 444 into a green light. Herein, the lightfrom the backlight unit 444 may be a white light or a blue light.

The light L from the backlight unit 444 passes through the second colorconversion layer 422 to reach the second color filter layer 421, and thesecond color filter layer 421 blocks a blue light having passed throughthe second color conversion layer 422 without being converted intogreen. In the case where the second color conversion layer 422 is agreen conversion layer as described above, the second color filter layer421 may be a green color filter layer having a green color.

In an exemplary embodiment, in the case where the aforementionedbacklight unit 444 emits a blue light, a second blue cut filter (notillustrated) may be further located between the second color conversionlayer 422 (i.e., a green conversion layer) and the second color filterlayer 421 (i.e., a green color filter layer) so as to improve theeffects of blocking the blue light. The second blue cut filter islocated between the second color conversion layer 422 and the secondcolor filter layer 421. The second blue cut filter blocks a blue lightthat has not been converted into green at the second color conversionlayer 422 and passed through the second color conversion layer 422. Thesecond blue cut filter may have a refractive index greater than that ofthe second color conversion layer 422 and less than that of the secondcolor filter layer 421. An air layer may be used as the second blue cutfilter. The second blue cut filter may include a material substantiallythe same as a material included in the first blue cut filter.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the third color layer 353 includes the firstdivided color layer 353 a and the second divided color layer 353 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first divided color layer 353 a is locatedadjacent to the first gate line GL1 and the first data line DL1. Thefirst divided color layer 353 a is located at the third quadrant. Thefirst divided color layer 353 a is located corresponding to the firstdivided pixel electrode PE3 a at the third quadrant. As illustrated inFIG. 8, the first divided color layer 353 a is located on the secondsubstrate 302.

The first divided color layer 353 a may include a light transmittinglayer. For example, in the case where the aforementioned backlight unitemits a blue light, the first divided color layer 353 a may be a lighttransmitting layer. The light transmitting layer transmits the bluelight emitted from the backlight unit 444 as it is without a substantialchange of the color (or the wavelength). The light transmitting layermay include, for example, a transparent photoresist. In an exemplaryembodiment, the light transmitting layer may further include a lightscattering agent. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) may be used as the lightscattering agent.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the first divided color layer 353 a is locatedon the second substrate 302. In other words, the first divided colorlayer 353 a is located between the first substrate 301 and the secondsubstrate 302. As a more detailed example, the first divided color layer353 a may be located between the second substrate 302 and the dichroicreflection layer 388.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first divided color layer 353 a may havea substantially same structure as that of the aforementioned first colorlayer 351. For example, although not illustrated, the first dividedcolor layer 353 a may include a first divided color filter layer and afirst divided color conversion layer. Herein, the first divided colorfilter layer may be omitted.

The first divided color filter layer is located between the secondsubstrate 302 and the first divided color conversion layer.

The first divided color conversion layer is located on the first dividedcolor filter layer. In other words, the first divided color conversionlayer is located between the first divided color filter layer and thefirst substrate 301. As a more detailed example, the first divided colorconversion layer may be located between the first divided color filterlayer and the dichroic reflection layer 388. The first divided colorconversion layer and the first divided color filter layer may have asubstantially same shape on a plane.

The first divided color conversion layer converts the color of the lightL emitted from the backlight unit 444. To this end, the first dividedcolor conversion layer converts the wavelength of the light L emittedfrom the backlight unit 444. The first color conversion layer mayinclude a material substantially the same as a material included in theaforementioned first color conversion layer 412 or a material includedin the aforementioned second color conversion layer 422. However, a sizeof a quantum dot (or a quantum rod) included in the first divided colorconversion layer may be different from a size of a quantum dot (or aquantum rod) included in the second color conversion layer 422. Forexample, the size of the quantum dot (or the quantum rod) included inthe first divided color conversion layer may be less than the size ofthe quantum dot (or the quantum rod) included in the second colorconversion layer 422.

In the case where the third pixel PX3 is a blue pixel emitting a bluelight, the first divided color conversion layer of the third pixel PX3may be a blue conversion layer emitting a blue light. In such anexemplary embodiment, the first divided color conversion layer convertsthe light from the backlight unit 444 into a blue light. Herein, thelight from the backlight unit 444 may be a white light or a blue light.

The light L from the backlight unit 444 passes through the first dividedcolor conversion layer to reach the first divided color filter layer. Inthe case where the first divided color conversion layer is a blueconversion layer as described above, the first divided color filterlayer may be a blue color filter layer having a blue color.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second divided color layer 353 b islocated adjacent to the first gate line GL1 and the second data lineDL2. The second divided color layer 353 b is located at the fourthquadrant. The second divided color layer 353 b is located correspondingto the second divided pixel electrode PE3 b at the fourth quadrant. Asillustrated in FIG. 8, the second divided color layer 353 b is locatedon the second substrate 302.

The second divided color layer 353 b may include a light transmittinglayer. For example, in the case where the aforementioned backlight unitemits a blue light, the second divided color layer 353 b may be a lighttransmitting layer. The light transmitting layer transmits the bluelight from the backlight unit 444 as it is without a substantial changeof the color (or the wavelength). The light transmitting layer mayinclude, for example, a transparent photoresist. In an exemplaryembodiment, the light transmitting layer may further include a lightscattering agent. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) may be used as the lightscattering agent. The second divided color layer 353 b may include amaterial substantially the same as a material included in the firstdivided color layer 353 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second divided color layer 353 b islocated on the second substrate 302. In other words, the second dividedcolor layer 353 b is located between the first substrate 301 and thesecond substrate 302. As a more detailed example, the second dividedcolor layer 353 b may be located between the second substrate 302 andthe dichroic reflection layer 388.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second divided color layer 353 b mayhave a substantially same structure as that of the first color layer 351described above. For example, although not illustrated, the seconddivided color layer 353 b may include a second divided color filterlayer and a second divided color conversion layer. Herein, the seconddivided color filter layer may be omitted.

The second divided color filter layer is located between the secondsubstrate 302 and the second divided color conversion layer.

The second divided color conversion layer is located on the seconddivided color filter layer. In other words, the second divided colorconversion layer is located between the second divided color filterlayer and the first substrate 301. As a more detailed example, thesecond divided color conversion layer may be located between the seconddivided color filter layer and the dichroic reflection layer 388. Thesecond divided color conversion layer and the second divided colorfilter layer may have a substantially same shape on a plane.

The second divided color conversion layer converts the color of thelight L emitted from the backlight unit 444. To this end, the seconddivided color conversion layer converts the wavelength of the light Lemitted from the backlight unit 444. The second color conversion layermay include a material substantially the same as a material included inthe aforementioned first color conversion layer 412 or a materialincluded in the aforementioned second color conversion layer 422.However, a size of quantum dots (or quantum rods) included in the seconddivided color conversion layer may be different the size of the quantumdots (or quantum rods) included in the second color conversion layer422. For example, the size of the quantum dots (or the quantum rods)included in the second divided color conversion layer may be less thanthe size of the quantum dots (or the quantum rods) included in thesecond color conversion layer 422.

In the case where the third pixel PX3 is a blue pixel emitting a bluelight, the second divided color conversion layer of the third pixel PX3may be a blue conversion layer emitting a blue light. In such anexemplary embodiment, the second divided color conversion layer convertsthe light from the backlight unit 444 into a blue light. Herein, thelight from the backlight unit 444 may be a white light or a blue light.

The light L from the backlight unit 444 passes through the seconddivided color conversion layer to reach the second divided color filterlayer. In the case where the second divided color conversion layer is ablue conversion layer as described above, the second divided colorfilter layer may be a blue color filter layer having a blue color.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first color filter layer 411,the second color filter layer 421, the first divided color filter layerand the second divided color filter layer described above may bereplaced with a yellow photoresist.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, from a plan view, at least two of the firstcolor layer 351, the second color layer 352 and the third color layer353 included in the unit pixel UPX may have different sizes.

As an example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, in the case where thefirst color layer 351 is a red color layer emitting a red light, thesecond color layer 352 is a green color layer emitting a green light andthe third color layer 353 is a blue color layer emitting a blue light,the first color layer 351 may have a size substantially the same as asize of the second color layer 352, and the third color layer 353 mayhave a size less than a size of the first color layer 351. In such anexemplary embodiment, the first divided color layer 353 a have a sizesubstantially the same as a size of the second divided color layer 353b.

As another example, in the case where the first color layer 351 emits ared light, the second color layer 352 emits a green light and the thirdcolor layer 353 emits a blue light, as described above, the first colorlayer 351 may have a size less than a size of the second color layer352, and the third color layer 353 may have a size less than a size ofthe first color layer 351. In such an exemplary embodiment, the firstdivided color layer 353 a adjacent to the first color layer 351 may havea size less than a size of the second divided color layer 353 b adjacentto the second color layer 352.

As still another example, in the case where the first color layer 351emits a red light, the second color layer 352 emits a green light andthe third color layer 353 emits a blue light, as described above, thesecond color layer 352 may have a size less than a size of the firstcolor layer 351, and the third color layer 353 may have a size less thana size of the second color layer 352. In such an exemplary embodiment,the second divided color layer 353 b adjacent to the second color layer352 may have a size less than a size of the first divided color layer353 a adjacent to the first color layer 351.

The size relationship between the first color layer 351, the secondcolor layer 352 and the third color layer 353 may be substantially thesame as that of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixelelectrode PE2 and the third pixel electrode PE3.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a distance d1 between the first color layer351 and the second color layer 352 included in one unit pixel UPX may besubstantially equal to a distance d2 between the first divided colorlayer 353 a and the second divided color layer 353 b included in theunit pixel UPX.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the second light blockinglayer 372 is located on the second substrate 302. The second lightblocking layer 372 overlaps a portion of the first pixel electrode PE1,a portion of the second pixel electrode PE2, a portion of the firstdivided pixel electrode PE3 a and a portion of the second divided pixelelectrode PE3 b. For example, the second light blocking layer 372overlaps facing edge portions of the first pixel electrode PE1 and thesecond pixel electrode PE2. Further, the second light blocking layer 372overlaps facing edge portions of the first divided pixel electrode PE3 aand the second divided pixel electrode PE3 b. In addition, the secondlight blocking layer 372 overlaps facing edge portions of the firstpixel electrode PE1 and the first divided pixel electrode PE3 a. Inaddition, the second light blocking layer 372 overlaps facing edgeportions of the second pixel electrode PE2 and the second divided pixelelectrode PE3 b. In addition, the second light blocking layer 372overlaps a portion of the protection layer 320 between the first pixelelectrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2, a portion of theprotection layer 320 between the first divided pixel electrode PE3 a andthe second divided pixel electrode PE3 b, a portion of the protectionlayer 320 between the first pixel electrode PE1 and the first dividedpixel electrode PE3 a and a portion of the protection layer 320 betweenthe second pixel electrode PE2 and the second divided pixel electrodePE3 b.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 9, thesecond light blocking layer 372 is located between the first color layer351 and the second color layer 352. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS.3, 4 and 10, the second light blocking layer 372 is located between thefirst divided color layer 353 a and the second divided color layer 353b. Herein, a portion of the second light blocking layer 372 between thefirst color layer 351 and the second color layer 352 is defined as afirst light blocking portion 801 and a portion of the second lightblocking layer 372 between the first divided color layer 353 a and thesecond divided color layer 353 b is defined as a second light blockingportion 802.

In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second light blockinglayer 372 is located between the first color layer 351 and the firstdivided color layer 353 a. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,the second light blocking layer 372 is located between the second colorlayer 352 and the second divided color layer 353 b. Herein, a portion ofthe second light blocking layer 372 between the first color layer 351and the first divided color layer 353 a is defined as a third lightblocking portion 803 and a portion of the second light blocking layer372 between the second color layer 352 and the second divided colorlayer 353 b is defined as a fourth light blocking portion 804.

In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second light blockinglayer 372 is also located between the first light blocking portion 801and the second light blocking portion 802. Herein, a portion of thesecond light blocking layer 372 between the first light blocking portion801 and the second light blocking portion 802 is defined as a fifthlight blocking portion 805.

From a vertical viewpoint, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the first lightblocking portion 801 is located between the second substrate 302 and thedichroic reflection layer 388. In such an exemplary embodiment, thefirst light blocking portion 801 overlaps an area between the firstpixel electrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2. In addition, thefirst light blocking portion 801 overlaps facing edge portions of thefirst pixel electrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2.

From a vertical viewpoint, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second lightblocking portion 802 is located between the second substrate 302 and thedichroic reflection layer 388. In such an exemplary embodiment, thesecond light blocking portion 802 overlaps an area between the firstdivided pixel electrode PE3 a and the second divided pixel electrode PE3b. In addition, the second light blocking portion 802 overlaps facingedge portions of the first divided pixel electrode PE3 a and the seconddivided pixel electrode PE3 b.

From a vertical viewpoint, each of the third, fourth and fifth lightblocking portions 803, 804 and 805 are located between the secondsubstrate 302 and the dichroic reflection layer 388. In such anexemplary embodiment, the third light blocking portion 803 overlaps anarea between the first pixel electrode PE1 and the first divided pixelelectrode PE3 a. In addition, the third light blocking portion 803overlaps facing edge portions of the first pixel electrode PE1 and thefirst divided pixel electrode PE3 a. Further, the fourth light blockingportion 804 overlaps an area between the second pixel electrode PE2 andthe second divided pixel electrode PE3 b. In addition, the fourth lightblocking portion 804 overlaps facing edge portions of the second pixelelectrode PE2 and the second divided pixel electrode PE3 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, an edge of the first light blocking portion801 adjacent to the first color layer 351 may be located between thefirst color layer 351 and the second substrate 302, an edge of the firstlight blocking portion 801 adjacent to the second color layer 352 may belocated between the second color layer 352 and the second substrate 302.As a more detailed example, the edge of the first light blocking portion801 adjacent to the first color layer 351 may be located between thefirst color filter layer 411 and the second substrate 302, and the edgeof the first light blocking portion 801 adjacent to the second colorlayer 352 may be located between the second color filter layer 421 andthe second substrate 302.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, an edge of the second light blocking portion802 adjacent to the first divided color layer 353 a may be locatedbetween the first divided color layer 353 a and the second substrate302, and an edge of the second light blocking portion 802 adjacent tothe second divided color layer 353 b may be located between the seconddivided color layer 353 b and the second substrate 302.

Although not illustrated, an edge of the third light blocking portion803 adjacent to the first color layer 351 may be located between thefirst color layer 351 and the second substrate 302, and an edge of thethird light blocking portion 803 adjacent to the first divided colorlayer 353 a may be located between the first divided color layer 353 aand the second substrate 302.

Although not illustrated, an edge of the fourth light blocking portion804 adjacent to the second color layer 352 may be located between thesecond color layer 352 and the second substrate 302, and an edge of thefourth light blocking portion 804 adjacent to the second divided colorlayer 353 b may be located between the second divided color layer 353 band the second substrate 302.

The first, second, third, fourth and fifth light blocking portions 801,802, 803, 804 and 805 may be unitary (e.g., integrally formed in amonolithic structure). The first, second, third, fourth and fifth lightblocking portions 801, 802, 803, 804 and 805 may include a substantiallysame material and have a substantially same structure. The first,second, third, fourth and fifth light blocking portions 801, 802, 803,804 and 805 may be formed substantially simultaneously in asubstantially same process.

The first light blocking portion 801 and the second light blockingportion 802, which are unitary, may have a straight line shape, asillustrated in FIG. 4. As a more detailed example, the first lightblocking portion 801, the fifth light blocking portion 805, and thesecond light blocking portion 802, which are integrally formed, may forma straight line parallel to the Y axis. In addition, the third lightblocking portion 803, the fifth light blocking portion 805 and thefourth light blocking portion 804, which are integrally formed, may forma straight line parallel to the X axis.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 9 and 10, a width W1 of the first lightblocking portion 801 may be substantially equal to a width W2 of thesecond light blocking portion 802. The width W1 of the first lightblocking portion 801 means a size of the first light blocking portion801 measured in the X-axis direction and the width W2 of the secondlight blocking portion 802 means a size of the second light blockingportion 802 measured in the X-axis direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a width W3 of thethird light blocking portion 803 may be substantially equal to a widthW4 of the fourth light blocking portion 804. The width W3 of the thirdlight blocking portion 803 means a size of the third light blockingportion 803 measured in the Y-axis direction and the width W4 of thefourth light blocking portion 804 means a size of the fourth lightblocking portion 804 measured in the Y-axis direction. In such anexemplary embodiment, the width W3 of the third light blocking portion803 is less than the width W1 of the first light blocking portion 801.Similarly, the width W4 of the fourth light blocking portion 804 is lessthan the width W1 of the first light blocking portion 801.

In an exemplary embodiment, from a plan view as in FIG. 3, theaforementioned first light blocking layer 371 may have a substantiallysame shape and a substantially same size as those of the second lightblocking layer 372. In such an exemplary embodiment, the second lightblocking layer 372 overlaps the entire portion of the first lightblocking layer 371.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the dichroic reflection layer388 is located on the first color layer 351, the second color layer 352,the first divided color layer 353 a, the second divided color layer 353b and the second substrate 302. The dichroic reflection layer 388 may belocated over an entire surface of the second substrate 302 including thefirst color layer 351, the second color layer 352, the first dividedcolor layer 353 a and the second divided color layer 353 b.

The dichroic reflection layer 388 includes a dichroic filter. Thedichroic filter is a filter which transmits a light having apredetermined wavelength among the incident light and reflects a lighthaving a wavelength other than the predetermined wavelength.

In the case where the light from the backlight unit 444 is a blue light,the dichroic reflection layer 388 transmits the blue light and reflectsa light other than blue light. That is, the blue light from thebacklight unit 444 passes through the dichroic reflection layer 388. Onthe other hand, a red light and a green light having been converted bythe first color conversion layer 412 and the second color conversionlayer 422 are reflected by the dichroic reflection layer 388.Accordingly, such a dichroic reflection layer 388 is also referred to asa yellow reflection filter.

As a more detailed example, since the red light and the green light arereflected from the dichroic reflection layer 388, a light emitted towardthe liquid crystal layer 333, among the red light and the green lightgenerated in the first color conversion layer 412 and the second colorconversion layer 422, is reflected toward the second substrate 302 bythe dichroic reflection layer 388 to be output to the outside.Accordingly, the luminous efficiency of the display device may beimproved.

The dichroic reflection layer 388 may include a plurality of highrefractive index layers and a plurality of low refractive index layersthat are alternately stacked. The dichroic reflection layer 388 mayselectively transmit light by a multi-film interference phenomenoncaused by the plurality of high refractive index layers and theplurality of low refractive layers. The low refractive index layer mayinclude at least one of MgF₂ and SiO₂, and the high refractive indexlayer may include at least one of Ag, TiO₂, Ti₂O₃ and Ta₂O_(3,) butexemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. Each layer may have athickness corresponding to a range of about ⅛ to about ½ of a wavelengthof a transmitted light.

The wavelength of the transmitted light and the reflected light may beadjusted depending on the configuration of each layer included in thedichroic reflection layer 388.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 10, the planarization layer 356 is locatedon the dichroic reflection layer 388. The planarization layer 356 may belocated over an entire surface of the second substrate 302 including thedichroic reflection layer 388. One surface of the planarization layer356 facing the first substrate 301 is flat.

The polarization layer 700 illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10polarizes a light having emitted from the backlight unit 444 and passedthrough the polarization plate 381 and the liquid crystal layer 333.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the polarization layer 700 islocated on the planarization layer 356. For example, the polarizationlayer 700 is located on a planar surface of the planarization layer 356.A transmission axis of the polarization layer 700 and a transmissionaxis of the polarization plate 381 are orthogonal to each other. One ofthese transmission axes is arranged parallel to the data line. Forexample, the transmission axis of the polarization layer 700 is parallelto the first, second and third data lines DL1, DL2 and DL3.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the polarization layer 700may include a plurality of polarization lines 750. Each of thepolarization lines 750 is substantially parallel to the data line DL. Inaddition, the polarization lines 750 are parallel to one another.

The polarization lines 750 are spaced apart from one another by apredetermined distance. An interval between any two adjacentpolarization lines 750 may be equal to an interval between another twoadjacent polarization lines 750. The interval between adjacent ones ofthe polarization lines 750 is less than the wavelength of visible light(about 400 nm to about 800 nm). For example, the interval betweenadjacent ones of the polarization lines 750 may be greater than zero andless than about 40 nm.

The polarization layer 700 may be transferred onto the planarizationlayer 356 by a stamping method or an imprinting method. The polarizationlayer 700 may be a wire grid polarizer. The polarization layer 700 mayinclude a metal material such as aluminum (Al), gold (Au), silver (Ag),copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni). The polarizationlayer 700 may include at least one of aluminum (Al), gold (Au), silver(Ag), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni).

The common electrode 330 is located on the polarization layer 700. Thecommon electrode 330 is located over an entire surface of the secondsubstrate 302 including the polarization layer 700. The common electrode330 directly contacts the polarization layer 700. The common electrode330 is not located between adjacent ones of the polarization lines 750.In other words, the polarization lines 750 are spaced apart from eachother by a significantly small distance in the order of nanometers, suchthat the common electrode 330 is not located between adjacent ones ofthe polarization lines 750. Accordingly, a portion of the commonelectrode 330 faces the planarization layer 356. A hole 909 defined bybeing surrounded by the polarization lines 750, the planarization layer356 and the common electrode 330 that are adjacent to one another may befilled with air.

The common electrode 330 receives a common voltage from a power supply(not illustrated). The common voltage of the common electrode 330 isapplied to the polarization layer 700.

FIG. 11 is an overall view illustrating the second light blocking layer372 of FIG. 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the second light blocking layer 372 mayfurther include an outer frame portion 900.

The outer frame portion 900 may have a quadrangular ring shape enclosingentire unit pixels. The outer frame portion 900 may be unitary (e.g.,integrally formed in a monolithic structure) with the first, second,third, fourth and fifth light blocking portions 801, 802, 803, 804 and805 described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the second light blocking layer 372 is notlocated between two adjacent unit pixels UPX. As a more detailedexample, the second light blocking layer 372 is not located betweenadjacent unit pixels arranged along the X-axis direction, and the secondlight blocking layer 372 is also not located between adjacent unitpixels arranged along the Y-axis direction. As a more specific example,the second light blocking layer 372 is not located between the secondcolor layer 352 of the first unit pixel UPX1 and the first color layer351 of the second unit pixel UPX2 adjacent thereto. In addition, thesecond light blocking layer 372 is not located between the seconddivided color layer 353 b of the first unit pixel UPX1 and the firstdivided color layer 353 a of the second unit pixel UPX2 adjacentthereto. In addition, the second light blocking layer 372 is not locatedbetween the first divided color layer 353 a of the first unit pixel UPX1and the first color layer 351 of the third unit pixel UPX3. In addition,the second light blocking layer 372 is not located between the seconddivided color layer 353 b of the first unit pixel UPX1 and the secondcolor layer 352 of the third unit pixel UPX3.

The first unit pixel UPX1 and the second unit pixel UPX2 adjacent toeach other in the X-axis direction may have a symmetric shape withrespect to an imaginary line passing through between the first unitpixel UPX1 and the second unit pixel UPX2 in parallel to the Y-axisdirection.

A distance d22 between the second color layer 352 included in the firstunit pixel UPX1 and the first color layer 351 included in the secondunit pixel UPX2 may be less than a distance d11 between the first colorlayer 351 included in the first unit pixel UPX1 and the second colorlayer 352 included in the first unit pixel UPX1.

A distance d44 between the second divided color layer 353 b included inthe first unit pixel UPX1 and the first divided color layer 353 aincluded in the second unit pixel UPX2 may be less than a distance d33between the first divided color layer 353 a included in the first unitpixel UPX1 and the second divided color layer 353 b included in thefirst unit pixel UPX1.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 11,and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II′ ofFIG. 11. The first substrate 301, the second substrate 302, the firstcolor layer 351, the second color layer 352, the third color layer 353,the second light blocking layer 372 and the liquid crystal layer 333 areonly illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, and the other componentsillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 have been omittedfor convenience of explanation.

The display device according to an exemplary embodiment may be a curveddisplay device. For example, the display device according to anexemplary embodiment may have a curved surface which is curved along theX-axis direction. In other words, the X-axis may be a curve having aparabolic shape, and the first substrate 301 and the second substrate302 may have a parabolic cross-section as the X-axis. In such anexemplary embodiment, the components on the first substrate 301 and thecomponents on the second substrate 302 may have a paraboliccross-section as the curved X-axis. Further, although not illustrated,the backlight unit 444 may also have a parabolic cross-section asdescribed above.

Meanwhile, the display device according to an exemplary embodiment mayhave a flat surface along the Y-axis direction as illustrated in FIG.13.

As described above, in the case where the display device according to anexemplary embodiment is a curved display device, a distance between unitpixels adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction is further reducedas compared with a distance between pixels of a flat display device. Forexample, an interval between the second color layer 352 of the firstunit pixel UPX1 and the first color layer 351 of the second unit pixelUPX2 adjacent thereto is further reduced. As described above, since thesecond light blocking layer 372 is absent between the second color layer352 of the first unit pixel UPX1 and the first color layer 351 of thesecond unit pixel UPX2, a light emitted from the second color layer 352of the first unit pixel UPX1 and a light emitted from the first colorlayer 351 of the second unit pixel UPX2 interfere with each other. Inother words, the light from the second color layer 352 included in thefirst unit pixel UPX1 and the light from the first color layer 351included in the second unit pixel UPX2 may be mixed with each other.Accordingly, it is preferable that the second color layer 352 of thefirst unit pixel UPX1 and the first color layer 351 of the second unitpixel UPX2 emit lights of a substantially same color. In other words, itis preferable that color layers adjacent to each other in the X-axisdirection and included in different unit pixels emit a substantiallysame color, which will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view illustrating an arrangement of colorlayers according to an exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, color layers adjacent to each other in theX-axis direction and included in different unit pixels emit lights of asubstantially same color. As an example, each of the second color layer352 of the first unit pixel UPX1 and the first color layer 351 of thesecond unit pixel UPX2 which is adjacent to the first unit pixel UPX1 inthe X-axis direction is a green color layer G that emits a green light.

As another example, in the case where a unit pixel adjacent to thesecond unit pixel UPX2 in the X-axis direction and located to the rightof the second unit pixel UPX2 is defined as a fourth unit pixel UPX4,each of the second color layer 352 of the second unit pixel UPX2 and thefirst color layer 351 of the fourth unit pixel UPX4 is a red color layerR that emits a red light.

In an exemplary embodiment, the third color layers 353 of respectiveunit pixels adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction are all bluecolor layers B that emit a blue light. For example, each of the seconddivided color layer 353 b of the first unit pixel UPX1 and the firstdivided color layer 353 a of the second unit pixel UPX2 is a blue colorlayer B that emits a blue light.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the first colorlayers 351 adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction and includedin different unit pixels emit lights of a substantially same color. Forexample, each of the first color layer 351 of the first unit pixel UPX1and the first color layer 351 of the third unit pixel UPX3 which isadjacent to the first unit pixel UPX1 in the Y-axis direction is a redcolor layer R. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the second colorlayers 351 adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction and includedin different unit pixels emit lights of a substantially same color. Forexample, each of the second color layer 352 of the first unit pixel UPX1and the second color layer 352 of the third unit pixel UPX3 which isadjacent to the first unit pixel UPX1 in the Y-axis direction is a greencolor layer G.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating an arrangement of colorlayers according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, color layers adjacent to each other in theX-axis direction and included in different unit pixels emit lights of asubstantially same color. A specific example of this will make referenceto FIG. 14 and the related description.

In an exemplary embodiment, third color layers 353 of respective unitpixels adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction are all blue colorlayers that emit a blue light. A specific example of this will makereference to FIG. 14 and the related description.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15, first colorlayers 351 adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction and includedin different unit pixels emit lights of different colors, respectively.For example, a first color layer 351 of a first unit pixel UPX1 is a redcolor layer R that emits a red light, and a first color layer 351 of athird unit pixel UPX3 which is adjacent to the first unit pixel UPX1 inthe Y-axis direction is a green color layer G that emits a green light.In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 15, second color layers 352 adjacentto each other in the Y-axis direction and included in different unitpixels emit lights of a substantially same color. For example, a secondcolor layer 352 of the first unit pixel UPX1 is a green color layer Gthat emits a green light, and a second color layer 352 of a third unitpixel UPX3 is a red color layer that emits a red light.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view illustrating an arrangement of colorlayers according to another alternative exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, color layers included in one unit pixel arelocated at quadrants different from quadrants at which theaforementioned color layers of FIG. 2 are located. For example, a firstunit pixel UPX1 of FIG. 16 includes a first color layer 351, a secondcolor layer 352, a first divided color layer 353 a and a second dividedcolor layer 353 b. In such an exemplary embodiment, a first dividedcolor layer 353 a of the first unit pixel UPX1 is located at a firstquadrant, a second divided color layer 353 b of the first unit pixelUPX1 is located at a second quadrant, a first color layer 351 of thefirst unit pixel UPX1 is located at a third quadrant and a second colorlayer 352 of the first unit pixel UPX1 is located at a fourth quadrant.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, color layers adjacent to each other in theX-axis direction and included in different unit pixels emit lights of asubstantially same color. A specific example of this will make referenceto FIG. 14 described above and the related description.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first divided color layers 353 a and thesecond divided color layers 353 b of respective unit pixels adjacent toeach other in the X-axis direction are all blue color layers B that emita blue light. A specific example of this will make reference to FIG. 14described above and the related description.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the first colorlayers 351 adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction and includedin different unit pixels emit lights of a substantially same color. Aspecific example of this will make reference to FIG. 14 and the relateddescription.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view illustrating an arrangement of colorlayers according to still another alternative exemplary embodiment;

As illustrated in FIG. 17, color layers included in one unit pixel arelocated at quadrants different from quadrants at which theaforementioned color layers of FIG. 2 are located. A specific example ofthis will make reference to FIG. 16 and the related description.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, color layers adjacent to each other in theX-axis direction and included in different unit pixels emit lights of asubstantially same color. A specific example of this will make referenceto FIG. 14 and the related description.

In an exemplary embodiment, first divided color layers 353 a and seconddivided color layers 353 b of respective unit pixels adjacent to eachother in the X-axis direction are all blue color layers B that emit ablue light. A specific example of this will be described with referenceto FIG. 14 described above and the related description.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the first colorlayers 351 adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction and includedin different unit pixels emit lights of different colors, respectively.A specific example of this will make reference to FIG. 15 and therelated description.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view illustrating the size of color layersincluded in one unit pixel.

As described above, at least two of the first color layer 351, thesecond color layer 352 and the third color layer 353 included in oneunit pixel UPX may have different sizes.

For example, in the case where the first color layer 351 of one unitpixel UPX is a red color layer that emits a red light, the second colorlayer 352 of said unit pixel UPX is a green color layer that emits agreen light and the third color layer 353 of said unit pixel UPX is ablue color layer that emits a blue light, the first color layer 351 mayhave a size less than a size of the second color layer 352, and thethird color layer 353 may have a size less than a size of the firstcolor layer 351, as illustrated in FIG. 18. In such an exemplaryembodiment, the first divided color layer 353 a adjacent to the firstcolor layer 351 may have a size less than a size of the second dividedcolor layer 353 b adjacent to the second color layer 352.

FIG. 19 is another explanatory view illustrating the size of colorlayers included in one unit pixel.

As described above, at least two of the first color layer 351, thesecond color layer 352 and the third color layer 353 included in oneunit pixel UPX may have different sizes.

For example, in the case where the first color layer 351 of one unitpixel UPX is a red color layer that emits a red light, the second colorlayer 352 of said unit pixel UPX is a green color layer that emits agreen light and the third color layer 353 of said unit pixel UPX is ablue color layer that emits a blue light, the second color layer 352 mayhave a size less than a size of the first color layer 351, and the thirdcolor layer 353 may have a size less than a size of the second colorlayer 352, as illustrated in FIG. 19. In such an exemplary embodiment,the second divided color layer 353 b adjacent to the second color layer352 may have a size less than a size of the first divided color layer353 a adjacent to the first color layer 351.

FIG. 20 is a detailed configuration view illustrating the unit pixel ofFIG. 1 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 21 isa cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the display device according to anexemplary embodiment may further include a first sustain electrode 201,a second sustain electrode 202, a third sustain electrode 203 and afourth sustain electrode 204.

From a plan view, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the first sustain electrode201 may have a quadrangular ring shape enclosing a first pixel electrodePE1 and a first color layer 351. The first sustain electrode 201 mayoverlap the first pixel electrode PE1. For example, the first sustainelectrode 201 may overlap an edge portion of the first pixel electrodePE1.

From a vertical viewpoint, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the first sustainelectrode 201 is located on a first substrate 301. The first sustainelectrode 201 may be located on a substantially same layer as a layer onwhich a first gate line GL1 is disposed. The first sustain electrode 201may include a substantially same material and may have a substantiallysame structure (a multilayer structure) as those of the aforementionedfirst gate line GL1. The first sustain electrode 201 and the first gateline GL1 may be formed substantially simultaneously in a substantiallysame process.

From a plan view, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the second sustainelectrode 202 may have a quadrangular ring shape enclosing a secondpixel electrode PE2 and a second color layer 352. The second sustainelectrode 202 may overlap the second pixel electrode PE2. For example,the second sustain electrode 202 may overlap an edge portion of thesecond pixel electrode PE2.

From a vertical viewpoint, the second sustain electrode 202 is locatedon the first substrate 301. The second sustain electrode 202 may belocated on a substantially same layer as a layer on which the first gateline GL1 is disposed. The second sustain electrode 202 may include asubstantially same material and may have a substantially same structure(a multilayer structure) as those of the aforementioned first gate lineGL1. The second sustain electrode 202 and the first gate line GL1 may beformed substantially simultaneously in a substantially same process.

The second sustain electrode 202 may be connected to the first sustainelectrode 201. To this end, for example, the second sustain electrode202 and the first sustain electrode 201 may be unitary (e.g., integrallyformed in a monolithic structure).

From a plan view, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the third sustain electrode203 may have a quadrangular ring shape enclosing a first divided pixelelectrode PE3 a and a first divided color layer 353 a. The third sustainelectrode 203 may overlap the first divided pixel electrode PE3 a. Forexample, the third sustain electrode 203 may overlap an edge portion ofthe first divided pixel electrode PE3 a.

From a vertical viewpoint, the third sustain electrode 203 is located onthe first substrate 301. The third sustain electrode 203 may be locatedon a substantially same layer as a layer on which the first gate lineGL1 is disposed. The third sustain electrode 203 may include asubstantially same material and may have a substantially same structure(a multilayer structure) as those of the aforementioned first gate lineGL1. The third sustain electrode 203 and the first gate line GL1 may beformed substantially simultaneously in a substantially same process.

From a plan view, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the fourth sustainelectrode 204 may have a quadrangular ring shape enclosing a seconddivided pixel electrode PE3 b and a second divided color layer 353 b.The fourth sustain electrode 204 may overlap the second divided pixelelectrode PE3 b. For example, the fourth sustain electrode 204 mayoverlap an edge portion of the second divided pixel electrode PE3 b.

From a vertical viewpoint, the fourth sustain electrode 204 is locatedon the first substrate 301. The fourth sustain electrode 204 may belocated on a substantially same layer as a layer on which the first gateline GL1 is disposed. The fourth sustain electrode 204 may include asubstantially same material and may have a substantially same structure(a multilayer structure) as those of the aforementioned first gate lineGL1. The fourth sustain electrode 204 and the first gate line GL1 may beformed substantially simultaneously in a substantially same process.

The fourth sustain electrode 204 may be connected to the third sustainelectrode 203. To this end, for example, the fourth sustain electrode204 and the third sustain electrode 203 may be unitary (e.g., integrallyformed in a monolithic structure).

The first, second, third and fourth sustain electrodes 201, 202, 203 and204 receive a sustain voltage from a power supply. The sustain voltageis a DC voltage, which may be substantially equal to or different from acommon voltage.

In an exemplary embodiment, sustain electrodes of adjacent unit pixelsmay be connected to each other. For example, the second sustainelectrode 202 enclosing the second color layer 352 of the first unitpixel UPX1 of FIG. 11 may be connected to the first sustain electrode201 enclosing the first color layer 351 of the second unit pixel UPX2.In addition, the third sustain electrode 203 enclosing the first dividedcolor layer 353 a of the first unit pixel UPX1 of FIG. 11 may beconnected to the first sustain electrode 201 enclosing the first colorlayer 351 of the third unit pixel UPX3. In addition, the fourth sustainelectrode 204 enclosing the second divided color layer 353 b of thefirst unit pixel UPX1 is connected to the second sustain electrode 204enclosing the second color layer 352 of the third unit pixel UPX3. Inaddition, the second sustain electrode 202 enclosing the second colorlayer 352 of the second unit pixel UPX2 is connected to the firstsustain electrode 201 enclosing the first color layer 351 of the fourthunit pixel UPX4.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ of FIG. 3according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, a first light blocking layer 371 and a columnspacer 472 may be manufactured through separate processes. That is,after the first light blocking layer 371 is formed first, the columnspacer 472 may be formed on the light blocking layer through a separateprocess.

As set forth hereinabove, the display device according to one or moreexemplary embodiments may provide the following effects.

One unit pixel includes a first color layer, a second color layer, afirst divided color layer and a second divided color layer, and thesecolor layers are respectively located at four quadrants divided withrespect to a gate line and a data line, which cross each other, as aboundary. In such an exemplary embodiment, a width of a first lightblocking portion between the first color layer and the second colorlayer adjacent to each other in a first direction is substantially equalto a width of a second light blocking portion between the first dividedcolor layer and the second divided color layer adjacent to each other ina second direction. Accordingly, the problem of defective verticallines, having a protrusion shape protruding in the first direction,which may appear at an area corresponding to the first light blockingportion and the second light blocking portion, may be addressed.

In addition, the display device includes color layers disposed adjacentto each other along a curved surface direction, and these color layersemit lights of a substantially same color. Accordingly, mixing of lightshaving different colors between adjacent color layers may besubstantially prevented.

In addition, one unit pixel includes a first pixel electrode, a secondpixel electrode, a first divided pixel electrode and a second dividedpixel electrode, and the pixel electrodes are respectively located atfour quadrants divided with respect to a gate line and a data line,which cross each other, as a boundary. Based on the arrangementstructure of the pixel electrodes, a light blocking layer may be locatedbetween the four pixel electrodes included in one unit pixel.Accordingly, a width of the first light blocking portion between thefirst pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode and a width of thesecond light blocking portion between the first divided pixel electrodeand the second divided pixel electrode may be adjusted to besubstantially equal to each other.

While the present inventive concept has been illustrated and describedwith reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form anddetail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scopeaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate spaced apart from each other; a first color layer and a second color layer adjacent to each other between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first color layer and the second color layer arranged along a direction parallel to a first direction; a third color layer comprising a first divided color layer adjacent to the first color layer in a direction parallel to a second direction crossing the first direction and a second divided color layer adjacent to the first divided color layer in a direction parallel to the first direction and adjacent to the second color layer in a direction parallel to the second direction; and a light blocking layer comprising a first light blocking portion between the first color layer and the second color layer and a second light blocking portion between the first divided color layer and the second divided color layer, wherein the first color layer, the second color layer and the third color layer are configured to emit lights of different colors, respectively, at least two of the first color layer, the second color layer and the third color layer have different sizes, and a width of the first light blocking portion in a direction parallel to the first direction is substantially equal to a width of the second light blocking portion in a direction parallel to the first direction.
 2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first color layer, the second color layer and the third color layer are comprised in one unit pixel.
 3. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first substrate and the second substrate has a curved surface curved along a direction parallel to the first direction.
 4. The display device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a fourth color layer adjacent to the second color layer in a direction parallel to the first direction, the fourth color layer configured to emit a light having a color substantially the same as a color of a light configured to be emitted by the second color layer; and a fifth color layer adjacent to the fourth color layer in a direction parallel to the second direction and adjacent to the third color layer in a direction parallel to the first direction, the fifth color layer configured to emit a light having a color substantially the same as a color of a light configured to be emitted by the third color layer.
 5. The display device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first color layer, the second color layer and the third color layer are comprised in a first unit pixel, and the fourth color layer and the fifth color layer are comprised in a second unit pixel.
 6. The display device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first unit pixel and the second unit pixel have a symmetric shape with respect to an imaginary line parallel to the second direction.
 7. The display device as claimed in claim 4, wherein a distance between the second color layer and the fourth color layer is less than a distance between the first color layer and the second color layer.
 8. The display device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the light blocking layer is absent between the second color layer and the fourth color layer.
 9. The display device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fifth color layer comprises a first divided color layer and a second divided color layer adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the first direction, the first divided color layer of the fifth color layer is adjacent to the second divided color layer of the third color layer in a direction parallel to the first direction, and a distance between the second divided color layer of the third color layer and the first divided color layer of the fifth color layer is less than a distance between the first divided color layer of the third color layer and the second divided color layer of the third color layer.
 10. The display device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the light blocking layer is absent between the second divided color layer of the third color layer and the first divided color layer of the fifth color layer.
 11. The display device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a first pixel electrode located on the first substrate corresponding to the first color layer; a second pixel electrode located on the first substrate corresponding to the second color layer; and a third pixel electrode comprising a first divided pixel electrode located corresponding to the first divided color layer and a second divided pixel electrode located corresponding to the second divided color layer.
 12. The display device as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least two of the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode and the third pixel electrode have different sizes.
 13. The display device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising: a first switching element connected to the first pixel electrode; a second switching element connected to the second pixel electrode; and a third switching element connected to the first divided pixel electrode and the second divided pixel electrode.
 14. The display device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: a first data line connected to the first switching element; a second data line connected to the second switching element; a third data line connected to the third switching element; and a gate line connected to the first switching element, the second switching element and the third switching element and crossing the first data line, the second data line and the third data line.
 15. The display device as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the first data line, at least a portion of the second data line and at least a portion of the third data line are located between the first color layer and the second color layer.
 16. The display device as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the first data line, at least a portion of the second data line and at least a portion of the third data line are located between the first divided color layer and the second divided color layer.
 17. The display device as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the gate line is located between the first color layer and the first divided color layer.
 18. The display device as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the gate line is located between the second color layer and the second divided color layer.
 19. The display device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first color layer is located at a first quadrant of quadrants which are defined by the gate line and one of the first data line, the second data line and the third data line, the second color layer is located at a second quadrant of the quadrants, the first divided color layer is located at a third quadrant of the quadrants, and the second divided color layer is located at a fourth quadrant of the quadrants.
 20. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first color layer, the second color layer, the first divided color layer and the second divided color layer comprises a color conversion layer between the first substrate and the second substrate.
 21. The display device as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one of the first color layer, the second color layer, the first divided color layer and the second divided color layer further comprises a color filter layer between the color conversion layer and the second substrate.
 22. The display device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a polarization layer between the first substrate and the second substrate to overlap the first color layer, the second color layer, the third color layer and the light blocking layer.
 23. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein facing edge portions of the first color layer and the second color layer overlap opposite edge portions of the first light blocking portion, and facing edge portions of the first divided color layer and the second divided color layer overlap opposite edge portions of the second light blocking portion.
 24. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first light blocking portion and the second light blocking portion are unitary.
 25. The display device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the first light blocking portion and the second light blocking portion which are unitary have a straight line shape.
 26. The display device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a backlight unit facing the second substrate with the first substrate interposed between the backlight unit and the second substrate.
 27. The display device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the backlight unit provides a white light or a blue light.
 28. The display device as claimed in claim 26, further comprising a polarization plate between the backlight unit and the first substrate.
 29. A display device comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate spaced apart from each other; a gate line on the first substrate; a first data line, a second data line and a third data line crossing the gate line; a first switching element connected to the gate line and the first data line; a second switching element connected to the gate line and the second data line; a third switching element connected to the gate line and the third data line; a first pixel electrode connected to the first switching element; a second pixel electrode connected to the second switching element and located adjacent to the first pixel electrode in a direction parallel to a first direction; and a third pixel electrode connected to the third switching element, wherein the third pixel electrode comprises: a first divided pixel electrode adjacent to the first pixel electrode in a direction parallel to a second direction crossing the first direction; and a second divided pixel electrode adjacent to the first divided pixel electrode in a direction parallel to the first direction and adjacent to the second pixel electrode in a direction parallel to the second direction.
 30. The display device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode and the third pixel electrode are comprised in one unit pixel.
 31. The display device as claimed in claim 29, wherein each of the first substrate and the second substrate has a curved surface curved along a direction parallel to the first direction.
 32. The display device as claimed in claim 29, further comprising a light blocking layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the light blocking layer comprises: a first light blocking portion overlapping an area between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode and overlapping facing edge portions of the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode; and a second light blocking portion overlapping an area between the first divided pixel electrode and the second divided pixel electrode and overlapping facing edge portions of the first divided pixel electrode and the second divided pixel electrode.
 33. The display device as claimed in claim 32, wherein a width of the first light blocking portion in a direction parallel to the first direction is substantially equal to a width of the second light blocking portion in a direction parallel to the first direction.
 34. The display device as claimed in claim 32, wherein the first light blocking portion and the second light blocking portion are unitary.
 35. The display device as claimed in claim 34, wherein the first light blocking portion and the second light blocking portion which are unitary have a straight line shape.
 36. The display device as claimed in claim 29, wherein at least two of the first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode and the third pixel electrode have different sizes.
 37. The display device as claimed in claim 29, wherein a distance between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode is substantially equal to a distance between the first divided pixel electrode and the second divided pixel electrode.
 38. The display device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the first pixel electrode is located at a first quadrant of quadrants which are defined by the gate line and one of the first data line, the second data line and the third data line, the second pixel electrode is located at a second quadrant of the quadrants, the first divided pixel electrode is located at a third quadrant of the quadrants, and the second divided pixel electrode is located at a fourth quadrant of the quadrants.
 39. The display device as claimed in claim 29, further comprising: a first color layer located corresponding to the first pixel electrode; a second color layer located corresponding to the second pixel electrode; and a third color layer comprising a first divided color layer located corresponding to the first divided pixel electrode and a second divided color layer located corresponding to the second divided pixel electrode.
 40. The display device as claimed in claim 39, wherein the first color layer, the second color layer and the third color layer are configured to emit lights of different colors, respectively, and the first divided color layer and the second divided color layer are configured to emit lights of a substantially same color.
 41. The display device as claimed in claim 39, wherein at least two of the first color layer, the second color layer and the third color layer have different sizes. 